Saudi King Thanks Tehran for Promoting Islamic, Arab Causes

Mottaki, who embarked on a two-day visit to Riyadh on Sunday, made the remark in a meeting with Saudi Arabia's King Abdullah.

During the meeting, King Abdullah thanked Tehran for its role in promoting the Islamic and Arab cause.

Mottaki's comments come just days after Saudi Foreign Minister Saud al-Faisal caused outrage in Tehran by suggesting that Arab countries should unify and face up to what he called 'the Iranian challenge.'

Earlier in his visit, Mottaki also met with Saudi counterpart Prince Saud al-Faisal who, in a change of tune, said that Riyadh was pleased to see Iran utilize its resources for the resolution of regional challenges and assisting Muslim states.

"As much as we appreciate Iran's support for Arab causes, we would like to see it channeled through Arab legality and be in harmony with its objectives," Prince Saud told reporters.

He said Mottaki met King Abdullah and delivered a message from Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad about bilateral relations and the situation in the Middle East and the Gulf. "I met him afterwards and discussed with him all these questions in a spirit of honesty, clarity and transparence," said Prince Saud, who welcomed Mottaki at the airport.